president barack obama and former massachusetts governor mitt romney the republican nominee. this debate and the next three, two presidential, one vice presidential are sponsored by the commission on presidential debates. tonight's 90 minutes will be about domestic issues and will follow a format designed by the commission. there will be six roughly 15 minute segments, then open discussion for the remainder of each segment. thousands of people offered discussion suggestions. i made the final selections. for the record they were not submitted for approval to the commission or the candidates. the segments as i announced in advance will be three on the economy and one each on health care, the role of government and governing. with an emphasis throughout on differences, specifics and choices. both candidates will also have two minute closing statements. the audience here in the hall has promised to remain slinlt. no cheers, applause, boos, hisss among other noisy distracting things so we may all concentrate on what the candidates have to say. there is a noise exception right now,